Black flakes outside

[Foggy Mtn]

Had some of these black flakes outside after a hot fire last night. It’s been mild off and on so far this winter. We’ve tried to keep hot fires. Flue was swept before fall. Any ideas ?

 

[Winterpeger]

I burn conifers, what I have found is thought the process it coats the chimney pipe with a fine ash. When I first started burning I also found these flakes outside on the snow. I did try to ignite one of the delicate flakes, it would not ignite it would only smolder only with no flame. I have assumed they are harmless.You can see a small flake on the temp probe, and flaking off further up the stove pipe. I think it is part of normal operation.

 

[Foggy Mtn]

We have burned close to a cord of pine so far this year and pine is in the stove this morning. Hmm

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Also interested in other folks experience with this. I get it occasionally same thing always on a cold start never hard flakes.

 

[Dieselhead]

Cold flue contracts, when heated it expands. This action loosens any residue on your flue wall and is carried up and out of the flue with the draft.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I see these at times on my roof. I sweep the liner myself and always know that I burn pretty clean and that the build up is not too much. For me, it’s been part of normal burning.

 

[Wildflush]

Last February I had some small black soot particles in the snow on my deck stairs and patio bricks. Not a lot. Chimney guy said it happens dislodges with hot fire and wind.